Leith flood protection work starts

A tracked excavator fitted with a single-tine ripper breaks
up the concrete steps beside the Water of Leith near the
University of Otago registry earlier this week.

Otago Regional Council engineering, natural hazards and
science director Gavin Palmer said Downer New Zealand Ltd was
awarded the contract for the latest stage of flood protection
work on the Leith, between the St David St and Union St
bridges.

Most of the work involved the western bank of the stretch as
well as some work in the channel of the river and the eastern
bank, as part of a design incorporating graduated access to
the river which would also increase its flood-carrying
capacity.

Access to the St David St bridge would be restricted at times
during the work as it was to be extended, but the Union St
bridge would remain open throughout, he said.